Jonny Macadam (9), shown here in a 2012 Menace match, is the top scoring threat for Grand View, ranked No. 1 in NAIA.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 – Perched atop the national standings, the Grand View men have already clinched a Sweet 16 spot in the NAIA championship. The Vikings prepare to defend their top-seeded status next week in Montgomery, Ala., the final site for the 2013 national tournament.

This has certainly been a landmark season for Des Moines’ perennial NAIA soccer power. In their storied history (including Elite Eight berths most recently in 2010 and 2011), the Vikings had never before cracked the national rankings’ top five. That changed last month. With a 19-2 mark, they have climbed the polls each week, claiming the No. 1 spot since Nov. 5.

A pair of Des Moines Menace alumni have led the charge for the dominant Vikings, who have outscored foes 72-19.

Blair Reid, who guided the Menace in the franchise’s first four Premier Development League seasons (1994-97), was named the 2013 Midwest Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year. This marks the eighth occasion he has received this honor.

Senior midfielder Jonny Macadam, who played for the Menace in 2011 and 2012 and interned with the organization last season, is the MCC Player of the Year. The Glasgow, Scotland native is one of seven Vikings to earn all-conference honors. After sitting out 2012 with an injury, he has come back in a big way. His 16 goals and eight assists lead the team, punctuating a stellar college career (44 goals, 28 assists).

Reid, Macadam and company look to finish what they’ve started. After getting by Bellevue (Neb.), 4-3, in the first-round, Snovember home match last Saturday, the MCC champs take to the national stage – this time with a No. 1 ranking that puts a bull’s eye on their back.